Auscultation of the respiratory system

Abstract

Auscultation of the lung is an important part of the respiratory examination and is helpful in diagnosing various respiratory disorders. Auscultation assesses airflow through the trachea-bronchial tree. It is important to distinguish normal respiratory sounds from abnormal ones for example crackles, wheezes, and pleural rub in order to make correct diagnosis. It is necessary to understand the underlying pathophysiology of various lung sounds generation for better understanding of disease processes. Bedside teaching should be strengthened in order to avoid erosion in this age old procedure in the era of technological explosion.

Keywords: Breath sound; bronchial breathing; crackles; rubs; wheeze.

Figure 1

Showing laminar flow pattern

Figure 2

Showing Poiseuille equation

Figure 3

Showing turbulent flow

Figure 4

Showing transitional flow

Figure 5

Showing vesicular breath sound

Figure 6

Showing bronchial breath sound

Figure 7

Showing crackles waveform